Q & A with J.D. Goossens

Tell me a little about To Lain Roads

To Lain Roads is loosely based on my own experience with moving to a big city from a small town. I use the term ‘loosely’ because unlike Nathan Mills, I was beyond cool in my hometown. I dominated that burg! Just ask my mom Lynda. She’d be more than happy to tell you the story.

To Lain Roads takes place in Vancouver. Why did you choose this as the setting?

Tucked in behind the Rockies, Vancouver can feel a world away for a kid from small town Ontario. I also wanted to capture the Vancouver of that fruitful time in its history.

Where do you like to write?

In a morning fog or anywhere there is coffee.

What is your birthstone?

A: Peridot

What is your [astrological] sign?

Leo

What do you think was the most significant world event the year you were born?

Pol Pot became Prime Minister of Cambodia.

What is your greatest extravagance?

1990 Volvo 240DL Station Wagon (124,000 km)

What is your favourite journey?

Road tripping to Myrtle Beach, SC in my family’s wood-trimmed family station wagon.

What talent would you most like to have?

Organization

If you could come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

My great grandson’s first girlfriend.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be:
My great grandson.

If you were to host a private dinner party for writers from the past, who would you invite to your table?

Farley Mowat (rum is cheap) and Stephen Leacock (quality moustaches on the both of them).

If you were to host a private dinner party for your mentors in life other than writers, who would you invite to your table?

My parents. My older sister.

What is your motto?

Yogurt will last long past its due date, so buy lots when it is on sale.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

To score some pure feed.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee early. Tea late.

Favourite cuisine?

French

Favourite comfort food?

Rabbit stew

Least favourite colour?

Nor-easter Gale (76-076)

If you could patent one device what would it be?

Brain Declutterer 3000

List five cities or towns in Canada that are on your list to visit one day: